Upscale neighborhood not thanking heaven for proposed 7-11

The controversy surrounding a proposed 7-11 opening its doors in upscale Punta Gorda Isles could get complicated. Residents there don't want the convenience store. But if it does open, it will have to follow a long list of restrictions.

Thursday, March 25th 2010, 5:08 PM EDT

Updated:

Thursday, March 25th 2010, 6:07 PM EDT

PUNTA GORDA ISLES: The controversy surrounding a proposed 7-11 opening its doors in upscale Punta Gorda Isles could get complicated. Residents there don't want the convenience store. But if it does open, it will have to follow a long list of restrictions.

Punta Gorda Isles resident Bob Brady is one of those who do not want the 7-11 in their neighborhood.

Like many residents there, Brady says his upscale neighborhood isn't the place for a convenience store.

"I can't believe people would move to Punta Gorda Isles for peace, quiet and tranquility would throw that all away so they don't have to drive two miles to buy beer, milk and cigarettes. It's inconceivable to me," he said.

The city's planning commission has already given the green light for the location.

But Brady is not alone. Some residents say a 7-11 would even reduce the value of their property.

"We're very concerned about the noise, the delivery trucks - just the congestion," said Punta Gorda Isles resident Sandy, who did not want to give her last name.

If the 7-11 does open, it will have a long list of rules it will need to follow – rules made by the city planning commission and the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association.

Some of those rules include:

No window signs

No gas pumps

The parking lot must be swept every hour on the hour; and

Priority hiring must be given to Punta Gorda Isles residents.

"I'm not happy and no one who lives around here is happy," said Brady.

But not all of the residents we spoke to say they are opposed to having the convenience store in the Isles - that is if the 7-11 follows that long list of restrictions.

"I think if we do it properly, it will be a boom for the community and hopefully it will act as a catalyst for that shopping center that's been dormant for the past 15 years," said resident Larry Friedman.

"I think it's fine, as long as the builders and the 7-11 organization supports the various restrictions," added resident Frank Muller.

"I have no data that will support it will cheapen the property values," said Bob Peterson, President of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association.